2015 California State Beekeepers Association Annual Convention

The 126th California State Beekeepers Association Annual Convention was held November 16-19, 2015, at the Hilton Arden West in Sacramento, CA. Every year the CSBA chooses a different city within the state to serve as the convention host city. This year, Sacramento, California's State Capitol, welcomed the beekeeping community for three full days dedicated to the issues currently facing honey bees, beekeepers, and the beekeeping industry. 

The California State Beekeepers Association was organized in 1889 to serve the beekeeping industry of California.

"The purpose of the California State Beekeepers Association is to educate the public about the beneficial aspects of honey bees, advance research beneficial to beekeeping practices, provide a forum for cooperation among beekeepers, and to support the economic and political viability of the beekeeping industry." 


Carlen Jupe, CSBA Sec/Treas reports, "We had over 380 attendees, including speakers but not those exhibitors who were always at their tables, another 50 or so." 

There were over 30 speakers from across the country: Agricultural Organizations, the Almond Board, California Farm Bureau Federation, US Geological Surveys, biologists, entomologists, scientists, and researchers from leading University Entomology Departments, the USDA-ARS programs, Scientific Beekeeping, Project Apis m., Pollinator Partnership, Bee Informed Partners, and experienced beekeepers.

California Farm Bureau Federation President, Paul Wenger, speaks on California Ag
"We're All in this Together," while CSBA President, Brad Pankratz, listens. 

Dr. Marla Spivak reported on "News and Research from the University of Minnesota Bee Lab." "A special highlight was the presentation of a $10,000 check from CSBA Research funds to Marla Spivak for the U. of Minnesota’s new bee lab," Carlen Jupe.

Dr. James Tew, a beekeeper for over 40 years, emeritus associate professor at the Ohio State University where he worked for over 30 years, spoke on "Bargain Hunting Forager Bees."

"Randy's Take on Current Bee Topics," Randy Oliver, Scientific Beekeeping, Commercial Beekeeper, Biologist. 

 

Research Luncheon Speaker, James Frazier, PhD, previously a scientist at DuPont Agricultural Products, has served for ten years as department head/professor of Entomology, Penn State University. Professor Frazier shared his recent research on the impacts of pesticides on honeybees. 

Honey and Pollination Center table at the CSBA Convention. Amina Harris, Director of the Honey and Pollination Center at the Robert Mondavi Institute developed the Honey Color Wheel. Here with Bernardo Nino, Research Associate at the E. L. Nino Bee Research Lab (UC Davis Dept. of Entomology) 

The Exhibit Hall is always a great gathering place to catch the latest buzz, hear what's going on with fellow beekeeper, mingle with presenters, and talk with the many vendors selling bee-related equipment, supplies, and services. This year there were over 380 attendees. A lot of buzzing going on.

The "Next Generation Beekeepers Breakout" held off-site at "The Brick House" was packed with 20-30 year old beekeepers. Co-facilitators for the evening were next gen beekeepers, Sarah Red-Laird (Bee-Girl), Katie Lee, Elizabeth Frost, and Steve Marquette.

  Members of the Los Angeles County Beekeepers Association: Jon Reese, Bonnie Reese, Clyde Steese, Bill Rathfelder, Marguerite Keating, Ron Strong, and Bill Lewis enjoy the CSBA Annual Convention Banquet.

A huge thank you goes to all the members of the Los Angeles County Beekeepers Association who volunteered their time and energy at the 2015 Los Angeles County Fair - Bee Booth. Through their efforts, each year we use funds raised at the LACBA Bee Booth to donate support for ongoing research and other activities for the benefit of honey bees. At our November meeting, the LACBA members voted to provide funding to the following organizations. During the CSBA Convention, the LACBA was privileged to present checks to:

 American Beekeeping Federation - American Honey Queen Program
Bee-Girl Organization
Bee Informed Partnership
California State Beekeepers Association Research Fund
California State Beekeepers Association - Right to Farm Act
E.L. Nino Bee Lab - UC Davis
Harry H. Laidlaw Jr. Honey Bee Research Facility
Pollinator Partnership 
Project Apis m.